My Girls, Money and the Greenlight Debit Card

2020. How fitting.

Already as we start this new year, I feel like I have 2020 vision. (Sorry, couldn’t resist.) I’ll need this exceptional vision in order to accomplish the goals I’ve set for myself and the kids. I’m starting with money.

I thought you may be interested in a new finance strategy I’m trying with the girls. If your teens are anything like mine, they think money grows on trees. Am I right?

If I’m honest, I’ll tell you sometimes my girls get this sense of entitlement that comes with an endless rants starting with “I need” and “I want.”

I created this. Now it’s time to fix it.

I think an allowance system with our new Greenlight debit card will help.

• This card is designed specifically for teens and pre-teens.

• I like it because I can use this card to pay the kids for their chores. They do their chores. The money rolls in. It really emphasizes that money must be earned.

• The Greenling debit card works like any other debit card. The girls can use it anywhere. But it has safety features that allow me to control where and how much they spend. The card also has features that encourage saving.

If I only knew then what I know now. We say that a lot. However, keep this in mind. The knowledge we’ve acquired the hard way isn’t wasted. We can pass it on to our kids. As for me, I’m teaching the girls about budgets, investing and even retirement now.

I’ll update you about our experience with the card. This is not a paid post. I saw the card advertised and thought it was exactly what we needed.

If you’re interested in the Greenlight debit card, you can get more details here.

What is this?

Chicago transplant in Milwaukee. I write about things that interest parents. Not rocket science, just a slice of life from our world.

Want to learn more about wine?

Charles

Springfield, Sommelier

Book tour comes to Boswell Book Company in Milwaukee

I got lucky and stumbled across Charles.

Last night, my girls and I happened to be at the Boswell Book Company, our independent book store. As we walked out, I saw a poster featuring a friend. It was author and former journalist Vivian King.

Vivian was scheduled to host a conversation with Charles Springfield, a journalist turned sommelier. Charles travels around the world teaching people about wine. Today, the Milwaukee native lives in New York City where he also teaches wine classes.

In my mind, Charles lives the life we dream about but rarely have the courage or freedom to pursue. I wasn’t going to miss him.

I checked the clock. The author’s talk started in 15 minutes. The girls went into the adjoining Starbucks. I grabbed a seat as Vivian started her conversation with Charles.

The next 30 minutes were delightful.

Charles made my mouth water as he paired sweet wines (riesling, rose, pinot grigio) with spicy food. I learned that you should drink a typical table wine right away. Once opened, the shelf life is about five days or so. If you drink the wine later, the taste is off but you can still cook with it. And of course, it’s all about the grapes. New regions like the Washington state, Argentina and South Africa and are producing outstanding wines that challenge the oldest French wineries.

I’m reading Charles Springfield’s book now. It’s called The Less Is More Approach To Wine. It’s an easy read.

Check it out here: https://www.charlesspringfield.com Of course, the cool folks at Boswell Book Company are happy to get it for you too.

Now or never...

I’m going to do this.

Kim Dawson-Brooks, January 2019

Bookstores are my home away from home. When the girls are gone, I usually end up there. It stokes my creative flame.

I mean, I start believing I can do anything.

Photography. Writing. Art.

I don’t know. Maybe I’m on a coffee high. Maybe it’s the comforting smell of books. Whatever it is, this is my year. I’m going to create stuff. Really, put it out there.

I won’t tell myself I’m too old. I won’t tell myself someone already did it. I won’t tell myself this is stupid.

If I ‘m lucky, I’ll say something that allows you and I to connect in a meaningful way. If I fail, then I may look foolish. I’m okay with that because at least I would have answered the call I ignored for too long. In the end, I just don’t want to die with beautiful music trapped inside.

Welcome to my blog. I’m nervous but here we go. Again.

Wasted Day

Are wasted days okay when you don't have time to waste?

We had an unexpected snow day today. Schools closed. So did my job.  And what did we do?

Nothing.

I did do a little school work with the girls. We went over a science lesson. But other than that, we zoned out. Each person on her own computer. I don't think any one in this house had a shower today.

Are wasted days okay when you don't have time to waste?

While a break is good for the girls, I'm feeling stuck.

I need something to focus on. I need to accomplish something more. But what? I’m searching for my answer.

Writing...

I'm alone.

As a newly separated mom, I feared lonliness but the opposite is true. The quiet feeds my soul. My scrambled brain is beginning to relax and I can think clearly. Enough to reach my authentic self.

For the last two hours, I sat in Barnes and Noble nursing an espresso and skimming books. As I left the bookstore, I reached a conclusion.

I hide in books. I do.

As a passive consumer, I don't have to work hard or become vulnerable. Reading other people’s stuff let’s me feel like I went somewhere or did something when I didn't.  While that’s the beauty of a good book, I feel like a kid always getting ready to jump in the water. The one who stands at the edge of the pool rocking from side to side. The one who restarts the countdown every time he or she gets to one.

I want to get in the pool. I want to swim. Heck, I want to go head first off the high dive.

Either way, it starts with this blog. I hope you journey with me even though I don't know where we’ll end up.

Thanks for the support. Here we go. 3-2-1....